Pollard Theatre staple named recipient of the Governor’s Arts Awards

If you have been to the Pollard Theatre in the last two decades its highly likely you have seen W. Jerome Stevenson. On Wednesday, he was one of 14 individuals and five organizations will be honored for their contributions to the arts at the 42nd Governor’s Arts Awards.

The Governor’s Arts Awards is an annual event recognizing individuals and organizations whose efforts have impacted the arts in their communities or throughout the state. First awarded in 1975, the awards are presented by the Governor during a special ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Stevenson was one of seven to be given theCommunity Service Award, which recognizes individuals for significant contributions to the arts in specific Oklahoma communities in the areas of leadership and volunteerism.

Stevenson is a graduate of Langston University.

The awards will be presented during a special ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. in the fourth floor rotunda at the Oklahoma state Capitol. A reception will follow outside the Betty Price Gallery on the Capitol’s first floor.

The Business in the Arts Award recognizes individuals, businesses and corporations that exhibit outstanding support of the arts in Oklahoma. The honoree is:

Medley Material Handling Company, Oklahoma City

The Media in the Arts Award is given to an individual member of the media or media outlet that demonstrates commitment to the arts in Oklahoma documented through public awareness, support, fairness, initiative, creativity, and professionalism in reporting. The honoree is:

Bradford Ferguson, KUCO Radio, Edmond

The Arts in Education Award recognizes an individual, organization, school, educator, or group for their outstanding leadership and service in the arts benefitting youth and/or arts in education. Honorees are: